Measuring perceived neighbourhood walkability in Hong Kong

This study examined the reliability and validity of the interviewer-administered Chinese version of the abbreviated Neighbourhood Environment Walkability Scale (Chinese NEWS-A). One hundred and twenty-four Chinese-speaking adult residents of Hong Kong were recruited from neighbourhoods objectively differing in walkability (dwelling density and street connectivity) and socio-economic status (SES). They completed the interviewer-administered Chinese NEWS-A, and half of them were reassessed 7–10 days later. The Chinese NEWS-A had good test–retest-reliability. Residents of high walkable neighbourhoods reported higher residential density, land use mix, street connectivity, infrastructure and safety for walking but lower levels of traffic load, and fewer cul-de-sacs and hilly streets. Residents of higher SES areas reported higher aesthetics but less traffic and crime. Overall, this study lends support for the construct validity and reliability of the Chinese NEWS-A. It is concluded that this instrument can be used in cross-national studies of the effect of the built environment on residents’ walking.